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Sweden and Denmark

I am at a bit of a loss planning my trip to Sweden and Denmark next month. I arrive in Stockholm on September 12th and fly out of Copenhagen on September 20th.

I obviously know that I would like to spend at least 2 nights in Stockholm and 3 nights in Copenhagen. Should I just stick to these two cities or is it worth it to try to stop somewhere on the way to Copenhagen?

I'll add that I am a very laid-back, easy-going traveller. I don't like to plan too much in advance to leave room for spontaneity. I also enjoy exploring cities as well as being in nature. Basically, there's not really a whole lot I *don't* like doing while traveling and I am open to any and all suggestions.

As much as I would like to also be able to visit Norway, I don't think it's going to happen this trip so I'd like to stick to Sweden and Denmark.

Any recommendations for places/things to see in the surrounding areas of the two cities?

While Copenhagen is a charming city - and I think deserves 3 days (4 nights) or 4 days with day trips. Stockholm has much more to see and do and I would spend no less than 6 nights here. If you check out the destinations section - or a couple of guidebooks - then you can get a better idea of what YOU would like to see and do and how long it will take.

There is plenty to do in the surrounding areas of both cities; I would not try to see anything in between as there is very little of interest. You could divide the time equally between both cities and then do trips from each. There are alot of threads already on what to do and see in each place. A trip through the Stockholm archipelago is a must IMO.

Copenhagen has tons of great day trips - easily done by train - like Hamlet's Castle at Helsingor (Elsinore) - Roskilde and the Viking Ship Museum; Fredericksborg and the royal castle in a lake and many more - so you could well spend several delightful days there too.

Trains are great - take the train between Stockholm and Copnehagen - high-speed train - advance purchase online can yield big discounts - for lots of great info on Scandinavian trains check www.seat61.com - good info on discounted tickets; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

So you could spend several days in each and only have to relocated once.

For a unique site in Copenhagen not seen anywhere else in Europe today TMK check out Christiana - the 'Free City' about the only 70s communes left in Europe - changed a lot but still electic is the word for what you'll find here. Said to be the #2 most visited site in Copenhagen after Tivoli - some acclaimed restaurants and of interest to some cannabis sold over the counter in Pusher Street but that is a small small part of this amazing and to me delightful place with an intriguing history:

I agree that you could easily want more time just for these 2 magnificent cities! And I agree that you would do well to consult a guidebook or two (always a good investment, IMO, or you can go to your local library) and decide what YOU want to do. That should help you decide how to split your time, and it should also help you target your highest priorities, since you won't have time for everything these places offer.

I am currently in Gothenburg on my way from Copenhagen to Stockholm. I was not overly impressed by Copenhagen, but am definitely looking forward to Stockholm, and a ferry trip through the archipelago. I am enjoying Gothenburg, which has good parks. Everywhere is awash in tourists right now....

In regards to Copenhagen then don't miss the Louisiana museum outside of the city!>

One of those great day trips from Copenhagen - combine with a train to Helsingor to see Hamlet's Castle - a neat castle in spite of its Shakespearian inspired nickname - Kronborg Castle I believe it is properly called - and then just south of Helsingor by suburban train (S-tog) is a station that escapes my memory for name but is a short walk from the Louisiana Indoor and Outdoor Statue Park - one of Europe's finest.

And could stop in early evening at Bakken smack on the same train line to Copenhagen - Bakken the world's oldest amusement park and unlike Tivoli free and lots of free entertainment besides rather calm rides for park's today.